Bachelor in Music Performance (Bachelor's)

Tuition is Drake extends $850,000 in Fine Arts Scholarships to Applied Music majors, minors, and non-major participants annually..

This four-year on-campus programme prepares students for professional music careers through weekly private lessons and performance-focused training. Students choose from four tracks: Winds and Percussion, Strings, Piano, or Voice, and engage in ensemble work, recitals, and masterclasses. The curriculum combines applied music study with courses in theory, history, and pedagogy. Students perform in award-winning ensembles and participate in national and international tours every four years.

Focus areas include Winds and Percussion, Strings, Piano, Voice, Jazz Studies, Vocal Music.

The programme requires 86-88 credit hours in Music, including five semesters of music theory, four semesters of music history and literature, and applied music lessons. Students complete a senior recital and participate in ensembles and performance opportunities throughout their studies.

Graduates pursue careers as soloists, ensemble performers, music educators, studio teachers, and choral leaders in community and academic settings.

Prospective students must audition for Department of Music faculty to be considered for admission. Prior experience in music study and performance is required. An audition is also required for Fine Arts Scholarship consideration.

The programme totals about 88 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four years to completion. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 64% of applicants.

Drake University places students in Des Moines, a city with connections to the arts, business, politics, and food. The campus offers an open environment for students who want to begin with a clear academic interest or take time to discover a direction. Hands-on experiences, leadership opportunities, and support designed to help students gain their footing are part of the Drake experience.

Academic options span more than 150 programs across seven colleges and schools. Faculty help students connect classroom learning with research, internships, and other practical experiences. Personalized mentorship is central to the student experience, with faculty available to support students as they work toward their goals. Global perspectives are integrated into campus life through learning alongside students from around the world and opportunities on campus and across the globe.

Community service is also part of learning at Drake. Students, faculty, and staff contribute more than 230,000 hours each year through volunteer work, outreach, and pro-bono service in the Des Moines community. International students can expect a setting that links academic study with local engagement and global perspectives, while the city provides access to cultural, civic, business, and culinary experiences beyond campus.